On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, Lunaw Dabaw, a group of plant enthusiasts in Davao City, urged the public to plant more trees to combat extreme heat and environmental degradation. Lito Palao, the group’s president, linked the intense heat to rampant tree cutting, particularly due to the conversion of forested areas into residential and commercial spaces. To encourage tree planting, Lunaw Dabaw distributed free endangered tree seedlings, such as bagawak morado, guijo, katmon, bani, kamansi, and balai lamok, at SM City Davao from April 20 to 22. Palao highlighted the importance of native trees, especially dipterocarps, which are vital for the survival of the endangered Philippine eagle. The group has been cultivating an 11-hectare site in Barangay Riverside, Calinan, for the past decade, but Palao noted that more forested areas are needed for the eagles’ survival. He also emphasized proper tree pruning techniques to ensure their survival, citing the death of a molave tree pruned incorrectly by the DENR in 2024. According to Global Forest Watch, Davao City lost 264 hectares of natural forest in 2023, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
